Stephen Bunting Endures Major Fright as 'The Royal Bengal' Creates A Landmark for Indian Darts.
The tournament's fourth seed narrowly avoided an early exit to move into the next stage of the world darts championship on the opening weekend.
'The Bullet', who was a losing semi-finalist last year, was pushed all the way to a deciding tie-breaker by Polish qualifier Sebastian Bialecki before securing a 3-2 victory at the iconic Ally Pally venue.
A Turbulent Match
Bunting made a flying start, posting a superb 119.4 to power through the first set. The win appeared certain after landing a spectacular 160 finish to seize the second set.
Nevertheless, ‘The Bullet’ cooled off, and he won just one leg over the subsequent two sets. This allowed Bialecki – who remained oblivious even when a wasp settled on his shoulder – to square the match. Bunting found his rhythm in the decider, but was still pushed to the limit before taking it 4-2.
“Competing at this venue you feel all the emotions,” Bunting told Sky Sports. “I was aware Sebastian was going to be a challenge and even at 2-0 he never gave in. I am fortunate to come through that one.”
Kumar Makes Landmark Win
Bunting's second-round foe will be 'The Royal Bengal', who made history by becoming the first Indian winner at the tournament. He overcame the Netherlands' Richard Veenstra 3-2 in a thrilling match.
The veteran player, who had been defeated in all four of his prior first-round matches, suggested this breakthrough could have “paved the way to a billion” darts players from India.
“Words fail me right now. I’m overwhelmed, I’m delighted,” Kumar stated. “If you dream it, anything is achievable. I’ve dreamed of this ever since I saw Dennis Priestley win the World Championship.”
He added with a humorous prediction: “I’m sorry, a decade from now if you have multiple players in the world championship walking on to Bollywood music, you know who started it.”
Other Opening Day Action
- Darren Beveridge: The Scotland's debutant made an convincing start, averaging 91.62 in a dominant 3-0 win over Belgium's Dimitri Van den Bergh, who managed just one leg.
- Jonny Tata: Another debutant, from New Zealand, ended the hopes of world No. 27 Ritchie Edhouse with a resounding 3-0 victory.
- Dom Taylor: The other newcomer beat Sweden’s Oskar Lukasiak by the same 3-0 scoreline.
- Joe Cullen: The world No. 32 was in good form as he comfortably defeated Bradley Brooks 3-0.
- Wesley Plaisier: The Dutch player overcame Germany’s Lukas Wenig 3-1.
- James Hurrell: Concluded the evening's play with a 3-1 victory over American Stowe Buntz.